CRAIG HOWARD

Greater Houston Chapter Chair

Craig Howard has over 45 years’ experience in events, logistics, industry and consumer tradeshows, food and beverage catering and event center management. Craig graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in Business Administration and The University of Houston with a degree in Hospitality Management.

Craig decided it was time to travel so he joined the Cruise Industry and eventually became a Cruise Director with Norwegian Cruise Line. By chance Craig met Lorenzo Zambrano, the CEO of Cemex, and he was building The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cancun and asked Craig to come work for him. Craig moved to Cancun and became the F & B Director and eventually became the Director of Events. During this time Craig created events with Acrobats which he brought in from Quebec, Canada. These acrobats eventually became Cirque du Soleil and hired Craig as their 5th employee to be the worldwide director of corporate events. Craig worked with Cirque du Soleil for 18 years and retired to move back to Houston and open Event Centers.

Craig operates 3 Venues in Houston and owns Floral Décor, Linen, Commercial Washing, Furniture, and Entertainment Companies.

He is one of the founders of ILEA International and CaterSource Magazine and serves on the board of directors for Target Hunger, the Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association and Texas Restaurant Association.